Is 3D Technology Safe for Children?

Since 3D is more accessible, many more children will be exposed to it than ever before. Is it safe for children to view 3D content? The answer, it seems, is for the most part no.

A study done by the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) concluded that viewing 3D simulated games could cause strabismus (lazy eye), especially in children under seven. It is even possible for adults to develop strabismus if they watch enough 3D movies and games.
The risk is higher in children seven and under because their muscles and nerves responsible for depth perception aren't fully developed. Development is usually finished between the ages of six to seven.

Nintendo has developed a 3D handheld system, the 3DS. Even though the system is not yet for sale, Nintendo has already warned that children under the age of seven should not use the 3DS. Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimegives this reason for the warning, "We will recommend that very young children not look at 3D images...[in] young children, the muscles for the eyes are not fully formed..."

An Australian Government Department of Defense study reported these findings: "Cybersickness symptoms are the unintended psychophysiological side effects of participation in virtual environments...cybersickness is believed to result from sensory and perceptual mismatches between the visual and vestibular systems...Symptoms can be...nausea, disorientation or postural instability, and visual symptoms."

It is similar to what happens if you spin in circles quickly. Your eyes see the surroundings rapidly moving around you but your vestibular system's information about where your body is in space does not match your visual perceptions. When you stop spinning you feel dizzy, possibly nauseated and a bit wobbly when you try to walk. After a few seconds to a minute or so you feel better.

However, with 3D the recovery may not be accomplished that quickly. If your child has watched 3D movies occasionally don't worry. Most studies and anecdotal evidence concludes that occasionally watching a 3D film shouldn't result in any permanent or long term problems.

However, some people are more susceptible to side effects than other, no matter what age. Some people with epilepsy and who are photosensitive shouldn't watch 3D films because they could trigger a seizure. People who get headaches and migraines, especially if they are triggered by eye strain or fatigue, should probably avoid watching 3D because it could trigger a headache or migraine. Some people will experience motion sickness and dizziness more easily than others, so they may want to avoid 3D viewings as well.

Sources:
Side effects of virtual environments : a review of the literature, http://hdl.handle.net/1947/4079 WARNING: 3D Video Hazardous to Your Health, http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/warning-3d-video-hazardous-to-your-health/ Nintendo Announces New Hardware, The Nintendo 3DS, http://kotaku.com/5499697/nintendo-announces-new-hardware-the-nintendo-3ds
FORUMS-Living with Epilepsy-3D movies, http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/efforums/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=3&threadid=85777q